Gemstone

Press Gallery - A Picture is Worth...

Muses... Sirens...

...it is all about the passions, desires and possession. Our muse captures the essence of The Three Graces.

{ A BARONESS BY DAY }

Cutting edge … From the turn of the 20th century, this is made of thousands of tiny, hand-cut beads, displaying a myriad points of light. With two strands making up the sautoir, the bewitching piece is finished off with a donut-shaped element that can be slid up and down the strands, a knot to stop the sphere from slipping off and cut-steel ends, each designed in a modern, geometric pattern. Wear it knotted, twisted, short or long.

Diamond jubilee … When evenings were lighted by candlelight in the 18th century, diamonds reigned supreme; practical improvements in candles made after dark galas fashionable. Circa 1775, these shimmering, diamond-drop earrings from the Georgian era are a pleasure to wear, with their classic girandole motif, a surmount-bow form and three drops. Ubiquitous during the 18th century, the girandole here is elongated and abstracted. Divine.

{ AN INGÉNUE WITH WANDERLUST }

Frame of mind … Occasionally a portrait miniature, the precursor to photography, captures something so lifelike the image stirs you for some time. The English watercolorist was a master at the still, the subtle expression, and the ethereal portrayed as eternal. It is painted on ivory in georgous gray-green, a contrast to her coral cape and auburn locks. A masterpiece, dating to circa 1810 - 1820.

High profile … Silhouettes began in the mid-18th century as an economical means of capturing an image. In fact, the word silhouette derives from the French finance minister, Etienne de Silhouette. This is an 1820s painted-parchment rendering of the woman’s form. Its beauty lies not only in the outline of the slender figure, but also how the artist used black on black to define her upswept hair, ear, and lace collar, all placed into a locket with brooch and pendant fittings.

{ A LADY IN WAITING }

Heart strings … Marie Antoinette’s jewelers could not have designed a more romantic jewel. Made around 1810, this glittering paste pendant’s sections can be worn separately or together for the most drama.

Star-crossed … The teardrop forms and fleurons of this Normandy cross are unusually set with black glass in mounds of gold. Feminine and sculptural, it showcases the era’s goldsmiths and stone-setters.

Photographic memory … Tiny portraits were carried as tokens of love and remembrance for centuries. Rendered in watercolor on ivory, this 1790 portrayal is hallmarked with its city and creator, adding to the intrigue.

Arm’s-length love … The Regency period bracelets define the art of beadwork in such a scale; so tightly strung, they feel like fabric.